Dapsone and human polymorphonuclear leucocyte chemotaxis in dermatitis herpetiformis.

Polymorphonuclear leucocyte chemotaxis was investigated in 6 patients with active dermatitis herpetiformis in the untreated state and when under control with Dapsone. Control studies were undertaken in 7 healthy volunteers. No significant difference in chemotaxis was demonstrated between the active, treated and control groups. Furthermore, when Dapsone in physiological concentrations was added separately in all three groups there was no additional effect on chemotaxis. These results clearly show that polymorphonuclear leucocytes from active untreated dermatitis herpetiformis have normal chemotactic activity compared with those from the same patients in the treated state and controls. Additional Dapsone did not alter these findings.